HVAC Licensing in Miami city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, constructs, repairs, or maintains air conditioning systems in Miami must hold a valid Florida air conditioning contractor license. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who undertakes to, offers to, or does air conditioning work. This includes residential and commercial HVAC systems. Unlicensed work is prohibited and subject to penalties.

How to Get Licensed

Florida regulates HVAC contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain an air conditioning license, you must:

  1. Meet experience requirements set by Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which typically requires a specified number of hours of documented work experience in air conditioning installation and repair.

  2. Pass the Florida air conditioning contractor examination administered by the state licensing board.

  3. Submit an application to the Construction Industry Licensing Board with proof of experience, exam passage, and any required fees.

  4. Obtain workers' compensation insurance as required by Florida law.

For current application procedures, examination dates, and specific experience hour requirements, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which oversees the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Local Requirements

Miami city contractors must comply with the Miami Municipal Code in addition to state licensing. Before beginning any HVAC work in Miami, obtain a mechanical permit from the Miami Building Department. Contact the Miami Building Department to determine local permitting procedures, inspection requirements, and any Miami-specific amendments to state HVAC regulations. The municipal code may impose additional local standards beyond state law.

All licensed contractors working in Miami-Dade County must also satisfy any county-level code requirements that apply in addition to city ordinances.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work and workers are exempt from licensing requirements. These exemptions include employees working under a licensed contractor's supervision and certain types of maintenance or repair work defined by statute. However, exemptions are narrowly construed. If you are unsure whether your proposed work qualifies for an exemption, consult the statute or contact the Florida DBPR before proceeding without a license.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/

References

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)